Stone icon discovered in 12th-century layers at Novgorod excavation site

Novgorod, Novgorod Province, Russia, October 4, 2024

Photo: novgorodmuseum.ru Photo: novgorodmuseum.ru     

Archaeologists have discovered a stone Theotokos Hodegetria icon in the 12th-century layer at the Holy Trinity excavation site in Veliky Novgorod.

The icon is of Byzantine origin, the press service of the Novgorod Museum-Preserve reported to TASS. Novgorod is one of the oldest cities of Russia, first mentioned in the 9th century.

“The beginning of October at the Holy Trinity excavation site was marked by a unique find. In the layer dating to the first quarter of the 12th century, near the pavement of a medieval lane, a stone Virgin Hodegetria icon was discovered,” the press service reported.

The icon was split into two parts in ancient times. After the necessary research and restoration, it will adorn the collection of the Novgorod Museum.

“Made of steatite, the small icon measuring only 1.5 by 1.37 inches impresses with its amazing carving craftsmanship and has preserved traces of gilding on the halo of the Mother of God and the Infant’s garment,” said Olga Tarabardina, head of the Center for Archaeological Research at the Novgorod Museum-Preserve.

The Holy Trinity excavation site was established in 1973 by the Novgorod Archaeological Expedition, taking its name from the nearby Holy Trinity Church. Since then, excavations in the quarter have continued annually.

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10/4/2024

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